‘If you are listening, come in’, welcome to the new album by Canadian beauty and bass player Melissa Auf Der Maur. Melissa gained world fame during her five year stay at Courtney Love’s band, Hole. She also was a Smashing Pumpkin in Billy Corgan’s band during their farewell tour. In both bands she was a well respected musician but not only became famous for her brilliant bass playing. Because of her looks, photographers of both rock magazines and glossies became interested in bringing her in front of their lens. A new rock chick was born. But that was not what this Canadian bass player really wanted. Six years ago she released her self entitled debut album ‘Auf Der Maur’. The album received fine reviews and sold well. The songs on ‘Auf Der Maurs’ sounded very straightforward and catchy. A star was born.

This second album ‘Out Of Our Minds’ took her quite some time to make. The album sounds much richer and more progressive than her debut. More time has been spent on the arrangements and there’s more room for experiment. Sometimes Melissa’s ‘new’ sound reminds of Tori Amos. Large orchestration, experiment and ‘balls’. Both ladies are fragile and sexy and make music to ‘create’ rather than to gain instant commercial success. Maybe Tori’s voice sounds a bit more like an angel and Melissa’s voice is less technical, but that makes her sound a little raw and more personal. Auf Der Maur has a special nose for looking after the right people to work with. Her duet, ‘Father’s Grave’, with Glen Danzig is the absolute high light on the album. Bringing Chris Goss into the studio in ’22 Below’ was a perfect idea. He turns the song into a desert rock sounding classic. The songs on her debut album were probably more catchy and poppy, but this second release has far more to offer. Goes deeper and crawls under your skin.

‘Out Of Our Minds’ takes more time to discover the inner beauty it has to offer. Hopefully the album will get enough airplay to find its way to a wider audience. Daring and fine album.

Ps: For the real fans. A short film and comic are part of a special offer that can be ordered on Melissa’s web site.

1- The Hunt (3:18)2- Out Of Our Minds (4:32)3- Isis Speaks (5:57)4- Lead Horse (3:48)5- Follow The Map (5:17)6- 22 Below (4:15)7- Meet Me On The Dark Side (4:07)8- This Would Be Paradise (2:42)9- Father’s Grave (5:56)10- The Key (3:53)11- The One (3:59)12- 1000 Years (7:35)